Richie Havens – Live at Newport Folk Festival, August 2nd, 2008
Richie Havens’ live performance at the Newport Folk Festival in 2008 stands as a moving testament to his deep connection with both his music and audience. Having been a fixture of the American folk and protest music scene since the 1960s, Havens, who passed away in 2013, was a beloved figure known for his soulful voice and impassioned guitar playing. The concert, recorded on August 2, 2008, at the iconic Newport Folk Festival in Newport, Rhode Island, captures him in the twilight of his career but still as vibrant and emotionally powerful as ever.
Setlist Breakdown:
- Stage Banter / Tuning (0:00:00 – 0:01:44)
- The concert opens with Havens’ trademark relaxed and engaging stage banter. He shares a moment with the crowd before tuning his guitar, giving the audience a brief but intimate glimpse into the mind of the man who has made such an impact in music.
- Story / All Along The Watchtower (0:01:44 – 0:08:20)
- As he begins, Havens tells a brief story before launching into a powerful rendition of All Along The Watchtower, Bob Dylan’s iconic song. Havens’ version of the song is transformative, his deep baritone and emotional delivery turning the already haunting tune into a soulful, gripping performance.
- Paradise (0:08:20 – 0:12:39)
- Havens moves seamlessly into Paradise, one of his own compositions, a song that reflects his deep connection to themes of nature and spirituality. The track flows with a gentle grace, showcasing Havens’ ability to meld folk with elements of soul and even a bit of gospel.
- Dreaming Way Down Deep (0:12:39 – 0:16:59)
- Dreaming Way Down Deep follows, showcasing his ability to channel both introspection and hope. It’s a song that feels personal yet universal, an exploration of longing and aspiration.
- Tuning (0:16:59 – 0:17:59)
- A brief pause for more tuning gives the audience another chance to appreciate Havens’ laid-back stage presence, where he is just as much storyteller as he is musician.
- My Love Is Alive (0:17:59 – 0:23:09)
- Havens’ performance of My Love Is Alive, a song that was originally written for his 1971 album Footprints, is a beautiful, heartfelt performance. His voice is smooth and expressive as he sings about love, loss, and resilience, weaving together personal experience with universal themes.
- Tuning (0:23:09 – 0:23:40)
- Another quick tuning break, allowing Havens to prepare for his next piece while continuing his rapport with the crowd.
- Woodstock (0:23:40 – 0:29:24)
- No Richie Havens performance would be complete without Woodstock, the song that has become forever linked with his career. He brings his trademark intensity and passion to the song, which was originally made famous at the 1969 Woodstock Festival. His version of the song still carries the weight of that cultural moment, resonating deeply with fans who have followed his music for decades.
- Lives In The Balance (0:29:24 – 0:34:48)
- Moving into a more political realm, Havens delivers Lives In The Balance, a song written by Jackson Browne. With its poignant commentary on the state of the world, Havens’ rendition is a stirring reminder of his role as an artist who always used his platform for social change.
- Tuning (0:34:48 – 0:35:15)
- A final moment of tuning, which almost feels like a breather before the energy that is about to erupt in the next song.
- Freedom (0:35:15 – 0:39:04)
- Perhaps the pinnacle of this performance, Freedom—Havens’ own composition—captures the raw emotion and power he is known for. Originally performed at Woodstock in 1969, Freedom has become an anthem of sorts, and in this live performance, Havens delivers it with a sense of urgency and liberation, pulling the crowd into the transcendent energy of the moment.
- Maggie’s Farm / Won’t Get Fooled Again (0:39:04 – End)
- For the grand finale, Havens fuses Bob Dylan’s Maggie’s Farm with The Who’s Won’t Get Fooled Again, creating an explosive medley that brings the entire concert full circle. These songs, known for their themes of resistance and defiance, fit perfectly into the fabric of Havens’ mission to speak truth to power. His performance of these anthems is full of fire, emotion, and conviction, making for a powerful conclusion to the show.
Overall Impression:
Richie Havens’ 2008 performance at the Newport Folk Festival is a beautiful encapsulation of his career—both reflective and relevant. The setlist features not only his original works but covers of songs that speak to his deeply held values and beliefs, from the politically charged Lives in the Balance to the transcendent Freedom. Throughout the show, Havens’ voice, with its unique blend of passion and experience, soars through both the intimate and the anthemic moments, and his deep connection to his audience is palpable.
Even though the concert occurred relatively late in Havens’ life, it is evident that his voice and message were as impactful as ever. His ability to hold the crowd in rapt attention, share personal stories, and transcend time through his music is a testament to his legacy. His music has always been about more than just entertainment—it has always been about connection, truth, and freedom. This performance serves as a fitting reminder of the power of music to inspire and bring people together, and it leaves a lasting imprint for those fortunate enough to have witnessed it.